IBEW 1245 is pleased to announce the March 2024 winners of our Jarius Ayeta Line School Scholarship. Congratulations to Kirt Draker of Auburn, CA and Manuel Gonzalez, of Fresno, CA who were the top two candidates in a pool of numerous competitive applicants. Both Kirt and Manuel will attend JATC Training Center (VOLTA) in Oregon this fall.
Scholarship winners Kirt Drake, Manuel Gonzalez, joined by IBEW 1245 Staff
An Air Force veteran who served as a mechanic in Afghanistan and Dubai, Kirt Draker knows the importance of working safely. “It’s a whole new world going from a mechanic to a lineman, and I’m up for the challenge. I am grateful for the opportunity.” His enthusiasm can be summed up in one phrase, “Hell yeah!”
Manuel Gonzalez stated “ Winning this scholarship is life changing. I finally received the opportunity that I’ve been working hard to achieve. I can now do what I’ve been wanting to do.”
The line school scholarship was established in 2020 in honor of Jarius Ayeta, an IBEW 1245 apprentice who was the victim of a fatal workplace tragedy. This all-expense paid scholarship which includes full tuition and fees, lodging, meal stipend, and tools will begin accepting applications October 1-31, 2024. Additional details can be found at https://ibew1245.com/scholarships/
- Charlotte Stevens, IBEW 1245 Organizer